[TLKIZER660]

I've had my 1969 Euro model 365 GT 2+2 since 1985. I have always been a purist regarding repair parts. I even use cloth Fispa air filters and Ferrari original equipment spark plug wires. I'm a purist but not a masochist. My original starter is giving up and I'm sick of asking for a jump start everytime I get ready to come home. It runs great but the starter sucks the battery dry in just a few seconds. I am preparing to sell the car (as soon as the snow melts) so I'm considering replacing the original starter with a modern, made for me, Nippondenso gear reduction starter. There are several companies who will make one to fit my engine. I would like to hear opinions regarding the pro's and con's of upgrading technology in vintage cars. I'm willing to put the original starter in a box in the trunk when I sell the car but I'm tired of making excuses for the car not starting. OPINIONS?

 

[Boxer]

I would definitely make the change to the modern reliable starter. If you can not enjoy the car, which in my case means driving it frequently, why have it ?

 

[Andrew]

Nippondenso is a good choice and I know others have used these on Ferraris as upgrades. If it gives you a piece of mind and the car starts everytime I would say go for it. The only time it is bad to use non-original parts is if you are going to enter the car in a concours. Since you are selling it let the buyer decide if that is what they want to do. Good luck on selling it.

 

[TLKIZER660]

Well, I did it. I removed my 1969 365 GT 2+2 starter (Marelli MT 21 T) and sent it to be measured by [http://www.BritishStarters.com.] I sent them some "package photos" showing how it fits in the Ferrari. They measured it and designed starter using modern gear-reduction technology and a 1.9 hp Nippondenso motor. It looks almost identical to the Rolls Royce starter on their web site. It took a few weeks to get it because they had to use mine as a design guide for the bolt hole locations, spacing, pilot diameters, pinion gear design, etc. It went in easier than the old one came out, it fit perfectly the first time and it works like a charm. The motor cranks the engine at high and constant speed. No more ruh-ruh-ruh of the compression pressure fighting the starter torque. The car has never started so cleanly nor so fast as it does now. The battery stays up and I'm no longer afraid to take the car out without the jumper cables. It's about 1/3 the weight and size of the original and requires only a blade connector terminal be installed on the solenoid wire. It tucks nicely under the original heat shield and is almost impossible to see, once installed.

It remains only to have the original Marelli starter rebuilt and put in on the shelf in a box to be sold with the car (just in case the eventual buyer is a purist/masochist).

Thanks to those of you who encouraged me to take the leap to the better (and less painful) technology.

Tom Kizer

 

[Boxer]

It is great ot hear that it has all worked out well and that you can now really enjoy taking the car out for a drive.